# Talbot County Public Schools

Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) is a public school district that serves Talbot County, Maryland. With 8 schools, it is one of the smallest school districts in the state of Maryland. TCPS receives nearly a third of the county's budget—35.2% in 2024.
As of July 2022, the superintendent of the district is Sharon M. Pepukayi, Ed.D. The board of education includes two student members, appointed by high school administrators, who hold a non-voting role; in 2024–25, the student board members are Brynn Lizewski and Gabriella Streaker.

## History
### 21st century

In 2005, Talbot County became the first Maryland school system to implement a district-wide one-to-one laptop initiative, when it assigned a new laptop computer to each incoming 9th grader. Over the next four years, the system continued providing 9th graders with laptop computers until all high school students had school-issued devices.
In 2014, Talbot County Public Schools made national headlines due to a lawsuit challenging disciplinary procedures after an unconstitutional search of two students' bags. In 2012, the Maryland State Board of Education unanimously reversed the school board's decision to punish the students, expuging their disciplinary records.
In July 2017, Superintendent Kelly Griffith recommended consolidating Tilghman Elementary School with St. Michaels Elementary School for the 2018-2019 school year due to declining enrollment and underuse of teachers and resources. The school did not close and has become one of the district's highest-performing elementary schools.
In 2018, Talbot County Public Schools made national headlines due to a lawsuit challenging district policies that refused to allow a male transgender student to use the boys locker room and bathrooms at St. Michaels Middle/High School. A U.S. District Court judge ruled that barring transgender students from sex segregated school restrooms or locker rooms that align with their gender identity is a violation Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause. The case settlement gave transgender students attending Talbot County schools the permanent right to use the bathrom or locker room consistent with their gender identity.

## Governance and budget

The board of education has seven elected members, plus one student representative appointed by each of the county's high schools.
The board's current members are:
| Name | District | Term ends |
| Amy Dodson | District 3 | 2026 |
| Anna Howie | District 5 | 2024 |
| Candace Henry | District 2, Vice President | 2024 |
| Deborah Bridges | District 7 | 2026 |
| Dyshekia Strawberry | District 1 | 2026 |
| Emily Jackson | District 4, President | 2026 |
| Mary Wheeler | District 6 | 2024 |
| Brynn Lizewski | Student member | 2025 |
| Gabriella Streaker | Student member | 2025 |
| Sharon M. Pepukayi | Superintendent | N/A |

## Schools

TCPS consists of 8 schools: 5 elementary schools, 1 middle school, one middle-high school, and one high school.
TCPS publishes school data anually. Its "TCPS at a Glance" document provides information about enrollment, staffing, facilities, services and programs, university acceptances, strategic priorities, new district initiatives, and expenditures.
The district has 1 LEED Gold school, a designation that recognizes buildings that are efficient, cost-effective, and better for occupants and the environment.

### Elementary schools

| Name | Location | Principal | Mascot |
| Chapel District Elementary School | Cordova | Kari Clow | Cheetahs |
| Easton Elementary School | Easton | Lisa Devaric | Tigers |
| St. Michaels Elementary School | St. Michaels | Indra Bullock | Saints |
| Tilghman Elementary School | Tilghman | Corey Devaric | Tigers |
| White Marsh Elementary School | Trappe | Kim Seidel | Dolphins |

### Secondary schools

| Name | Location | Principal | Mascot |
| Easton Middle School | Easton | Kelly Murdoch | Panthers |
| Easton High School | Easton | Sherry Spurry | Warriors |
| St. Michaels Middle/High School | St. Michaels | Theresa Vener | Saints |

## Notable alumni

Prominent graduates or former attendees of the school system include:
* Casey Cep — author, journalist
* Chris Moore — film producer
* Cynthia C. Morton — geneticist
* Frank Robinson, Jr. — athlete
* Harold Baines, former Major League Baseball player
* James Rouse — developer, philanthropist
* Jawann Kelley-Gibson — athlete, coach
* Jean Louisa Kelly — actress
* Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio - former member of the Maryland House of Delegates
* John "Home Run" Baker — former Major League Baseball player
* Richard F. Colburn — former member of the Maryland State Senate